"Spot-On Imaging and Tremendous Instrumentation Detail"

"The Pro-Ject Essential is a great choice for an entry-level turntable, delivering spot-on imaging and tremendous instrumentation detail," reports Arlen Schweiger in his April 27, 2012 review for CEPro.com. "With more pristine records, the Essential makes it so you’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference between vinyl and CD in terms of sound cleanliness."

"Sounds Great"

What Hi-fi? magazine notes, "Details levels are good, and rarely does the turntable sound flustered, even when it's asked to replay something demanding… The Essential is decently made, easy to set-up and sounds great."